Sophia of KATSEYE will officially resume group activities in early January 2027. On the other hand, fellow member Manon remains on an indefinite hiatus that began in February 2026.
According to the announcement, the 23-year-old singer will rejoin KATSEYE during the first week of January 2027. However, she will not participate in the North American leg of THE WILDWORLD TOUR or promotional activities for the remainder of 2026.
In its statement, the company said Sophia had been prioritizing her health and well-being with its “full support and resources.” It also thanked fans, known as EYEKONS, for their continued love, support, and understanding throughout her absence.
“We look forward to welcoming her back as KATSEYE continues this next chapter together in 2027,” the agency added.
Sophia’s Hiatus Timeline
Sophia’s hiatus was announced on August 7, 2026, just one week before the release of KATSEYE’s EP WILD. HYBE x Geffen stated that following consultations with medical professionals, she had been advised to take “an extended period of rest and ongoing care” to prioritize her mental health and wellness. At the time, the company noted her condition would be reassessed in September.
The KATSEYE leader missed several high-profile appearances, including the Hinterland Music Festival and a Los Angeles screening for the group’s documentary. The release of WILD was also affected, as Sophia appears in the music and some videos, but was absent from promotional stages, such as SNL.
In her own message to fans, she acknowledged the difficulty of the decision: “It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot… I am learning that health has to come first.” She added, “I am realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long”.
Manon’s Ongoing Hiatus and Speculation
Manon Bannerman has been on hiatus since February 20, 2026, when HYBE x Geffen announced she was stepping back “to focus on her health and wellbeing”.
After the announcement, Manon posted a message letting fans know she was doing well health-wise. Some fans viewed the post as a possible sign of underlying tensions within the group. Fans connected her hiatus to alleged racial bias, Manon is the group’s only Black member, and possible internal tensions.
In June 2026, Sophia addressed the speculation, emphasizing that it was “not our place or anybody else’s place to rush her” and that “the door is always open” for Manon’s return.
The Ongoing WILDWORLD Tour
KATSEYE kicked off THE WILDWORLD TOUR last month in Dublin. The tour supports their third EP WILD and spans arenas across the UK, Europe, and North America, concluding in Mexico City on November 27.
With both Sophia and Manon absent, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae have continued the tour and group activities as a four-member lineup. The European and UK leg ran from September 1 to 17 without Sophia. The North American leg, which begins October 13 in Miami, will continue through November 27, and Sophia has been confirmed to miss all remaining North American dates.
The remaining members have publicly expressed support for their absent bandmates. During an appearance on NBC’s Today in August, Lara said: “As KATSEYE, it’s so important to us to always prioritize our well-being. We stand by Sophia and Manon through and through. We ride for them.”
